Abu Dhabi University Launches First International Sustainability Leaders Meeting To Enhance Global Collaboration

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) recently hosted the First International Sustainability Leaders Meeting (ISLM) at its main campus. This event, organised with UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, attracted over 250 participants from 40 countries. The meeting aligns with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, which aims to enhance sustainability in academia and contribute significantly to the nation's GDP.

The ISLM gathered national and international sustainability leaders, experts, and higher education institutions. Representatives from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), global universities, industries, and ranking organisations also participated. Discussions focused on integrating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academic institutions to promote global sustainability efforts.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of ADU, welcomed attendees including Husin Bagis, Ambassador of Indonesia to the UAE, and Professor Riri Fitri Sari from UI GreenMetric. Professor Aouad stated, "Abu Dhabi University is proud to host the First International Sustainability Leaders Meeting alongside UI GreenMetric. As the global sustainability conversation grows, this gathering fosters meaningful collaborations that equip universities with the necessary tools and strategies to drive real change."

Professor Riri Fitri Sari emphasised the importance of this collaboration in advancing sustainable practices in higher education. She noted that Abu Dhabi sets a strong example with its commitment to sustainability through innovation and leadership. "This collaboration is crucial in bringing university leaders together to share sustainability efforts and advance sustainable practices in higher education and beyond," she said.

Professor Sherine Farouk, Associate Provost for Academic Projects at ADU, highlighted their dedication to equipping students with knowledge for engaging in sustainability discussions. "At ADU, we remain committed to equipping students and the community with the knowledge and platforms needed to engage in critical sustainability conversations," she remarked.

The meeting featured prominent speakers like Ahmed Baharoon from EAD and Dr. Ashwin Fernandes from QS. They discussed Abu Dhabi’s role in sustainable urban development and universities' evolving role in achieving carbon neutrality. Strategies for implementing UI GreenMetric's vision were also explored.

Strategic Discussions on Sustainability

Keynote sessions included interactive forums covering topics such as establishing sustainability offices within universities. These offices aim to integrate sustainable practices while providing students and faculty with tools for contributing to a greener future.

The event underscored ADU’s achievements in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. ADU ranked 344th globally out of 1,477 institutions and second within the UAE, marking an improvement of 15 places from last year.

Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future

This event was organised by ADU alongside several international universities including United Arab Emirates University and National Pingtung University of Science and Technology among others. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment towards fostering sustainable development across educational institutions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM